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Hired Muscle [Skald & Herald]
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Post by Unica & Birdie on Jul 20, 2020 18:23:10 GMT
It had been a long, tedious trip back to Terminus. Unlike the girl, Birdie couldn't teleport. She could only fly... and only in small bursts. That wasn't even taking into account her injured wing. Dinohumon's arrow had done a great deal of damage, and for the first half of the trip, Birdie was forced to walk and take things slow in order to nurse her wound back to health. It took a lot of time and prolonged the return trip home. Granted, it allowed her see the world and meet strange, new individuals, but that wasn't exactly her idea of fun. One encounter with a Hawkmon left her bitter, angry, and frozen against the forest floor for the better half of a day until she was finally able to break free.
Needless to say, she was eager to be home and in familiar territory. She knew her way around the city, she knew the type of people who roamed the streets, and she knew how to navigate conversations here. It was easy enough to tell who could be taken advantage of and who should be avoided at all costs. It was a different atmosphere in the wilds of the digital world. There was no telling which Digimon were feral and which were intelligent until they were upon you; there was no telling who was friend or foe until after a long, arduous conversation. Here, in the city, there were laws and hierarchies that everyone had to follow. Wits were more crucial than brawn, and if someone was clever, they could survive the concrete jungle.
Birdie was only able to breathe a sigh of relief for a moment before she was struck with the fact that she had no plan about what to do next. She tried the tamer thing, that didn't work out, and now she'd finally returned home to good ol' Terminus. But what was the next step? What did she do before Unica entered her life? She stole and bartered, fought in the arena, and scoured the city for all things shiny. She'd occasionally get involved in fights that'd break out in Old Terminus, but she often preferred to watch the plebeians spill blood. She'd watch from her fourth floor apartment window and imagine being a queen, forcing her subjects to fight for her honor and amusement.
But that wasn't really an option at the moment. Instead, she decided she could either head to the arena and sign up for a fight to get out some of her pent up rage, or she could head home to rest and rejuvenate. As much as she didn't want to sleep, she really didn't want to be around anyone. The decision to go home won out, and she began heading toward Old Terminus. Along the way, however, she spotted a job posting. The details were vague, but from the sound of things, the employer was looking for muscle. Birdie cocked her head and tore the flyer down in order to examine it closer. It said that those interested would need to meet someone named Herald, founder and owner of The Daily Herald.
The fact that this Herald put their own name in the newspaper's name made Birdie huff in annoyance. Herald must be pretty vain, she thought. Even still, she wouldn't turn up her nose at the chance to get stronger, prove her worth, and make some money. Worst case, she could go meet this Herald, and if they rubbed her the wrong way then she could back out. But that would have to wait; now was the time for rest. Birdie folded the flyer and continued toward Old Terminus. She slept on the proposition and woke the next day ready and willing to see what this Herald person was all about. After grabbing the flyer in her talons, Birdie took to the skies and flew over Terminus City in search of the newspaper factory. It took no time at all to spot. Birdie landed on the doorstep and entered. There was no telling if Herald would be here, but it was a good place to start.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2020 18:58:38 GMT
The daily herald’s production joint was a multitude of individuals from all walks, andromons that spent most of their time printing and refining the various newspapers. Quick and fashionable delivery boys picking out bags from those that were ready. It screamed efficiency; whoever ran this place ran such a tight ship that not even one person questioned birdie. They knew why she was here.
For the boss.
None of them asked her a single question, none of them wasted any time. One of the newspaper boys, a particularly well dressed spadamon motioned to the stairs in the back. It would lead up to an office where birdie would easily see those red horns from the window. She wouldn’t even get to knock before the door opened.
A beezlemon stared down at her and huffed as he stepped past her; the nametag reading ‘hunter’ easily seen given that his dress was mostly black while this little tag was gold. What sort of people did birdie just walk in on? What sort of people would she deal with?
The clomping of his boots faded out, the door remained open and inside? Sat a magnificent specimen of demonic prowess. She radiated control and content like nothing else. This was her business, her money, her place. Her right to power in this building. The threshold sat there taunting birdie; daring her to cross it.
Those speckled eyes and gentle grin found themselves resting on birdie and the massive goat gestured to the seat in front of her desk. Not a word wasted, no time or pressure on the little rookie in this den of wolves.
No she earned her place here, she walked the walk. They knew she wasn’t something to mess with; she might not have been the queen of this land. But she was a visitor and she had considered a job from the ruler of this place. If birdie crossed that threshold, took that seat she’d find that the door was closed behind her without her even needing to touch it.
”Good morning my friend, it’s so good to see that my flyers found someone of poise and experience. Mmm. What is a falcon such as yourself doing in my fine establishment? Looking for work? Found one of my brother’s packages? Or perhaps you are here for something… extravagant.”
The last word was rolled along her tongue, played with like a hunter played with their prey. She’d dredge up a bottle of wine and pop the cork out with a casual flick of her slimy tail.
”So what are you here for my dear princess? Everything and anything is a possibility. Just effort towards yours truly can make it so.”
But if birdie wanted she could leave, if birdie wanted she could forget this flyer. Forget this goat that was in front of her; forget the power that walked past her. The efficiency. Everything that was here was something that only some could dream of.
Was it a dream that Birdie wanted? Or was this just a nightmare that birdie wanted nothing of?
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Post by Unica & Birdie on Jul 22, 2020 18:31:05 GMT
The factory was large and loud, and it worked like a well-oiled machine. Everyone had a task to do. Everyone, including Birdie. She just didn't know it yet. The moment she opened the doors, a Spadamon locked eyes with her and motioned toward a set of stairs near the back of the facility. No words were exchanged, and for that reason alone, Birdie was convinced that there had been some misunderstanding. Herald must have been expecting someone else and had told their staff to keep an eye out. "I saw this flyer," Birdie said while unfurling the job request. She showed it to the Spadamon and the worker merely pointed to the stairway once again. It didn't seem to matter how or why she was here; the Spadamon knew that strangers who entered the building were here for one thing.
Birdie made a face and headed to the stairs. At the top was an office door. The only thing she could make out through the small, sqaure window was a set of sangria horns. Still determined, Birdie reached for the doorknob, fully intent on letting herself in without knocking and being given permission first. Before her claws could touch the handle, the door opened on its own. A Beezlemon, apparently named "Hunter," walked past her with a huff and a side-eye, and Birdie made no attempt to move out of his way. Even though she was small and a rookie, she still stood her ground and refused to back down, even just to let a Digimon pass easier.
Birdie didn't bother watching the Beezlemon leave; instead, her attention remained fixated on the Digimon who remained in the room, a demonic goat creature unlike anything Birdie had ever seen before. This must have been Herald, and Herald must have been a virus type. It was the only explanation for the negative energy that pulsated and oozed off the stranger's body. Instinctively, Birdie dared not step closer, and yet... something enticed her forward. The power. The control. The poise. Birdie was envious of it all, and she gave in when the virus Digimon gently motioned her closer. Birdie walked inside the room with a look of awe and admiration on her face.
What exactly was she getting herself into?
Birdie was hesitant to take a seat, but when the door closed behind her, she knew there was no turning back. Still, she remained standing, her tense posture revealing how apprehensive she was about the whole situation. And yet, some of the stiffness faded away when Herald began to speak, referring to the Biyomon as "friend" and "falcon." Birdie cocked her head slightly, taken off guard by the kind words and flattery. She was so used to the crude language of 'mon living in the back alleys of Old Terminus. This was new and unexpected.
None of Herald's words struck Birdie as intensely as the phrase "dear princess." It felt like deju vu. A memory, maybe. The room swayed and her head grew light. The corners of her vision grew darker and began to close in. What was this? Birdie blinked her eyes and grabbed the arm of the nearby chair in an attempt to catch her balance. It took only seconds for her to regain her composure, but even when the dizziness had past, she still didn't feel one-hundred percent. Her heart was beating and her face felt warm. Was she... blushing? This feeling of flattery and bliss was admittedly pleasant, but it also made Birdie feel vulnerable. And vulnerability made her mad. For the first time since she'd entered the room, Birdie's eyes narrowed into a dissatisfied, somewhat irritated scowl.
"I'm here about this," she said finally, a hint of hostility in her voice. She held up the flyer and pointed a crimson nail at the text written on it. "I need work. And money." Birdie had no idea what Herald meant when she spoke about her brother's packages, and the comment about doing something "extravagant" was too vague for the Biyomon to understand fully. "I can deliver your packages or whatever, if that's what you need, but I was looking for something a bit more..." her voice wandered as she tried to find the word to use. "Brutal? Violent? You know what I mean? D'you need a bouncer, escort, or something?" It was clear that Birdie had no idea what jobs Herald was looking to fill, but she held out hope. Business owners didn't hold secret back-room meetings with a Beezlemon unless shady happenings were going down.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2020 19:24:41 GMT
The spadamon didn’t care; anyone that took these flyers would have to go to herald. That was the rule; that was what they were told. They weren’t to talk to the hired help; that wasn’t their job. Their job was pointing to the staircase and getting back to business. Herald had made that quite clear. They were a well oiled machine because they listened.
Hunter didn’t even care that birdie didn’t move out of his way, he was tall enough just to step over the little rookie. His job also was elsewhere and he didn’t have time to waste on someone that was practically a nobody to him.
Herald leaned in her chair; watching the biyomon through half closed and amused eyes. Two glasses were provided; one for her and one for her guest. Did birdie drink? Was this an actual offer to her friend here? The crude language of lower terminus would be something else entirely but herald played a far different game than anyone else around here.
Herald saw her words do work and her smile didn’t waiver; she had meant every single word she had said. Pouring out the wine into either glass. Just enough to where she could dispose of the bottle in the nearby recycling bin.
”Ah yes the flyers.”
If birdie didn’t stop her the heramon would take the flyer; musing over the list of jobs that it offered. She’d flick an ear and chuckle softly; she could deliver packages easily. She could do whatever for money right? The goat leaned forward; that smile spreading on those deep red lips.
”I have what you seek; the opportunity for violence and money. But What I need from you my dear princess is a few things.”
The heramon gestured towards the seat that birdie had used to prop herself up. Those eyes didn’t challenge the hostility that birdie had shown. She had simply glazed over it as though it wasn’t even worth addressing to her.
”Your patience. Your time. I ask not for loyalty my dear falcon but merely the opportunity and consistency.”
Her fingers drummed on the desk and the goat stood up, one hand scooping her drink up and the other would if birdie didn’t resit… Well it’d cup her chin so that the little biyomon was looking up into those vast eyes of the heramon.
”You give me those things and you my dear queen will have your money. Your violence. Perhaps a roof over your head, a bed to rest your weary feathers. And perhaps even yours truly to tend to that wound of yours.”
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Post by Unica & Birdie on Jul 25, 2020 19:45:04 GMT
Birdie allowed Herald to take the flyer from her claws and study it over. While the paper had listed a series of jobs that the virus Digimon needed accomplished, there had been no telling which were still available and what certain tasks entailed. Not that her uncertainly mattered either way; she still had to meet Herald in person for the... interview? Is that what this was? An interview? Birdie eyed the goat creature in front of her, not daring to move or shift her gaze elsewhere. She was still on edge--any rookie walking into a closed room with such a fearsome beast would be--but something kept her around, and it wasn't just the idea of a job. The flattery and the promise of status, maybe.
With a chuckle and a grin, Herald leaned forward and said that she had what Birdie was seeking, an "opportunity for violence and money." A subtle smirk graced the Biyomon's beak before vanishing again the very moment the Heramon said she required a few things. And that word. "Princess." The dizziness. Vertigo. Birdie winced but did her best to shake the feeling. She'd experienced this same sensation before, but it'd been a long time ago. There was no explaining it or why she was feeling it again now. All she could do was act like nothing was wrong and deal with it later. She squinted her eyes in an attempt to focus her vision, and when she did, she noticed Herald motioning toward the seat that she was still propped up against.
It was a bad idea to take the seat, but Birdie needed to sit before she fell over. With a huff of irritation, she did as she had been silently instructed to do. Once she was situated in the chair, the goat creature proceeded to explain what she needed from Birdie. They were vague requests for her consistent time and patience, but the deliberate omission of "loyalty" was what really piqued the Biyomon's interest. Loyalty was akin to servitude, and she wouldn't be caught dead working under someone... long-term, that is. Temporary alliances were necessary to survive in this world. She could spare some of her time and energy to work for Herald.
"I dunno about patience," Birdie said with a coy smile, "But I've got plenty of time to spare." Plenty of time, provided Unica stayed out of the picture and bounty hunters from the Eastern Timberlands didn't come after her, but she didn't need to mention any of that. At least not at the moment. After all, she was trying to sell herself to an employer, so she needed to look as appealing as possible; nevermind the fact that she had already admitted to being impatient and hard-headed. She certainly wasn't known for her charm, eloquence, or sensibility. Then again, maybe that's exactly what made her such an attractive candidate. Many folks didn't find her small, bright pink, and feathery appearance intimidating at first glance, which was perhaps why her crude demeanor was so effective. No one suspected that such a fluffy ball of cuteness could be filled with so much hatred and violence.
As Birdie spoke, Herald stood, grabbed her glass of wine, and stepped around the desk to get closer to the Biyomon. However, when she reached out to cup the underside of Birdie's beak, the pink-and-blue avian leaned away... She leaned, but didn't make any effort to get off the chair. It was an instinctual reaction, embedded in Birdie since her youth. Don't let anyone touch you. Don't let anyone get close enough to take you off guard. At the same time, she didn't feel like she was in any immediate danger. Nothing indicated that Herald was going to harm her. She needed to calm down. Recoiling like that would only make her look weak and frail. And so, if Herald had continued reaching for Birdie's chin or had tried again, there would've been no fight.
Until the word "queen" was spoken. Birdie's eyes grew wide and her heart raced so fast that it ached. She flapped her wings and stumbled out of the chair, no longer listening to anything Herald had to say. Images of a dark wasteland flashed in her head, each vision feeling like a punch to the skull. Her temples throbbed and she gripped her head in agony. All she could see were Black PawnChessmon being killed in clouds of data. The walls of a castle. They were ornate and towering. And a Cerberumon standing a short distance away from her, merely staring. As her eyes focused on the figure, the stone castle walls melted away and were replaced by the walls of Herald's office, and the Cerberumon slowly shifted and in its place stood Herald herself.
"Ah... I-" Birdie began, wincing as her head throbbed again. "I dunno what that was," she muttered. "Queen," she whispered under her breath in an attempt to test out the word for herself. However, nothing happened. Maybe someone else needed to say the word for it to trigger her, or maybe the word no longer held any power... Or maybe Herald had done something. Either way, the pain and dizziness were slowly subsiding and the strange visions had since faded. With an annoyed groan, Birdie pushed herself back up onto her feet, though she didn't move again after that. She had no idea if her episode had destroyed any chance of working with Herald, but if it hadn't, she needed to do something fast. "I don't know what that was," she repeated. "That's never happened before." She swallowed hard.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2020 21:12:08 GMT
Did she really post all of these?
The heramon raised her eyebrows a bit and realized that most of the flyer wasn’t of what she wanted. Most of it was for her brother skald. She’d chuckle lightly and she noted that the one that she had in mind for the biyomon was thankfully still there. She’d toss the flyer into the recycling. They’d use the paper for something else later once it was broken down again. No point in wasting resources when such a piece of paper did it’s job in bringing in help.
”Plenty to do plenty to do. Tell me. What is your name? You no doubt know mine by now.”
Herald tilted her head; the other seemed to be dizzy or at least… offput by something. Was it something that the goat had said? Perhaps it was the omission of loyalty but the goat didn’t need loyalty. She had that in buckets; she had everything in buckets really that she was asking for but she needed a different kind of worker really.
”Well you’ll learn it at some point. But time is what i need.”
Large fingers drummed on the desk and the mon wouldn’t let them get away from her grip; she’d push for that chin so she could get a good look at birdie’s eyes. She had a thing about reading them; windows to the soul. Often more than not she could tell so much abotu them. What sort of life did this one lead?
An earflick and she’d let go of the other’s chin; frowning slightly as she noted the other stumbled out of her chair. Something had happened; was it her touch? Something she said? The other seemed unsure, uncertain. There was focus and there was more here than she expected.
A certain modium of power in the past perhaps? Her eyes narrowed and she’d set the wineglass down. Another earflick and the goat took a seat in her chair again. The word queen held a special something in the other's head. She looked thoughtful and then she’d wave it off like it meant nothing.
”Means I can’t use a pet name like that for you if it makes you stumble like that falcon. Tch. Connections and connotations of some form I believe. Regardless. This changes nothing. You came here for work and all I need from you is a blood contract.”
The heramon reached into one of her drawers and set down a blank piece of paper onto the desk; her eyes flashing dangerously. The other had her interest and those teeth of hers practically shown as she grinned from ear to ear.
”You work for me and I’ll show you just how deep this rabbit hole goes. Sign the paper with your data and take a drink with me. The contract itself will work itself out with what we desire and what matches up. Digital magic goes deep in this city; even deeper than the tech that makes up everything. I don’t need to know what that was and I don’t need to know if it’s a problem unless you’re working for me. So sign. Or don’t my dear.”
Herald’s ears flicked forward and her expression calmed a bit. She looked as though she knew something; or perhaps she didn’t know anything at all and was considering something else. Her eyes read over the biyomon; maybe birdie would back out and maybe they’d leave this place. But one thing was for certain…
For better or for worse herald was interested in this little biyomon.
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Post by Unica & Birdie on Jul 28, 2020 18:09:30 GMT
When asked for her name, the Biyomon offered it with some hesitation. "Birdie," she said after some time. It was the name her young tamer had given her when they first met, so it stood to reason that she would've dropped such a childish title the moment she abandoned the girl. And yet, something about the name felt right. She was no longer just a Biyomon or just a rookie, she was Birdie. An individual with her own thoughts, hopes, and dreams. She could have come up with a new name, one that was more intimidating that "Birdie," but she felt some connection to the one Unica had chosen for her. It was difficult for her to explain, but she was willing to fight anyone who dared make fun of her name or criticize her for it.
The mood of the conversation shifted after Birdie's episode, but Herald was still willing to give her a chance to prove herself. The goat creature explained that the Biyomon's adverse reaction to "queen"-related pet names changed nothing and that she was still willing to provide work if Birdie signed a blood contract. The avian's feathers ruffled upon hearing this. Blood? Contract? Was she still experiencing a hallucination of some kind, or was this really happening? Herald was full of mystery and allure, speaking of data-based contracts, digital magic, and "rabbit holes." This was not what Birdie had been expecting. She was looking to scare a competing newpaper company, defend Digimon as they transported goods, or help move some equipment around. Anything more than that rang mental alarm bells.
Birdie wasn't going to be persuaded so easily, and she made this fact known by what she said next. "I don't think so. You've been real dodgy about everything. Tell me what I'll be doing and what's up with the contract, huh." There was a brief pause before she hurriedly added, "And the pay. Half up front, half after the deed is done. What do you say?" She'd found her voice and her confidence, but how Herald would react to Birdie taking over the conversation with inquiries of her own remained to be seen. The questions made logical sense--she was entitled to know what exactly she was getting herself into--but coming off so strong to such a sketchy individual may have been a fatal mistake.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 28, 2020 19:02:39 GMT
”Interesting. Easy to keep track of that’s for sure.”
Herald rubbed at her snout and flicked an ear as the other seemed somewhat… unsure of their predicament here. She’d tilt her head slowly to one side. The other didn’t seem quite onboard yet and she’d shake her head as the other seemed to think she’s been dodgy!
”Real dodgy? Hardly. You came here looking for work and here I am offering it. The thing with my work is that it’s not just simply one job; it’s a long term contract for continual work. Not something you can just quantify.”
She’d snort a bit at the additive about pay. Trying to take control of the situation; but birdie would find herald was a hard bargain. Even harder when you tried to challenge her rule. A single finger pushed itself on the sheet of paper that sat more on birdies ‘half’ of the desk.
”Besides the pay was never quantified; just that there would be it. Your opportunities for violence and money are slipping dear Falcon.”
The heramon was content to sit in her chair and the goat ran her finger slowly around the glass. Grinning slowly as she kept the conversation towards what she wanted.
”But I’ll bite; give you a little water so you aren’t left thirsting. Tonight a trade deal is going down but I need someone to be there with me to ‘pose’ as a threat. An unknown. No one knows who you are; no one knows what you can do and my dear Falcon you will keep it that way.”
The heramon leaned down and out of another drawer… Well she’d procure a bag. Quite sizable; quite full of the sort of musical sound that birdie would recognize. Bits of all things kept in her desk? What sort of place was this really?
She’d place it down on there and gesture at it. Birdie wanted cold hard bits? She’d get those. But the heramon didn’t place them there for birdie to start counting; not yet at least.
”I can easily find someone else to take care of this, Hunter. The dear beezlemon would be glad to tote his firearms around and blast a few skulls across the floor. But my dear Birdie? I want you to be there, I want you to see what I’m dealing with. The fools that think they’ll get everything and I’ll get nothing.
So sign the contract dear birdie. As I said before it will align our interests and we get to find out just how deep you’re willing to go.”
Further still she’d push the piece of paper; if birdie signed it. She’d find that the writing manifested on the page… but if she didn’t there was a dangerous gleam in the eyes of the goat and the slight crack in the wineglass indicated something far worse than violence. It likely would indicate disappointment than anything else.
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Post by Unica & Birdie on Aug 20, 2020 17:53:48 GMT
The more Herald tried to hide, the more Birdie learned. Herald was looking for contractual workers, and contractual work meant that her tasks ranged. Birdie would be nothing more than a body for hire, not for a single task but instead for a multitude of purposes. There was no way to quantify the work, as the work had yet to be decided upon. The best way for Birdie to think about it was to assume that there was no job yet, but by signing this contract, she would be considered for any jobs that may arise in the future. Strange that there was a contract involved for such open-ended work, but if Birdie was in Herald's position, she might have done the same thing. As a direct result, it made sense why no specific income price had been stated on the poster. It probably ranged depending on the job.
When Birdie entered the room, she had assumed that Herald would examine her skill set and assign her to one of the tasks listed on the poster from the alleyway. And yet, it seemed more involved than all of that. The poster wasn't promoting a single job, it was advertising all of them as a bundle package. If a Digimon was ready and willing to tackle all of the tasks on the list then they should visit Herald and enter into a contract with her, and only then would they be given a job to do. The pieces of the puzzle were finally snapping into place. It was a tempting idea, having guaranteed work with such a force to be reckoned with, but that also meant that she'd be working under someone.
Birdie eyed the contract again as the Heramon let her in on a job going down that very evening. A trade deal. Herald needed someone to go with her and pose a threat. Said somebody needed to be an unknown player in the field, and they needed to be anonymous. And if Birdie signed the contract then she could that person. She cocked an eyebrow and looked back up at the virus Digimon. If only Herald knew how infamous she was in the Eastern Timberlands... but Birdie kept her mouth shut as the demonic goat fetched a large bag of Bits from a drawer in her desk. Birdie's eyes grew wide and began to shimmer with greedy hunger.
She was quite alright with being in financial ruin most of the time. She lived in an abandoned building in a long-forgotten part of the city, she survived off of scraps and what she could find while scourging, and she stole more than she actually purchased. But in this world, money tended to mean power and influence, and that fact was what Birdie was truly drawn to. She stared at the money for a long while before looking up and meeting Herald's gaze again. She couldn't help smiling at the "Hunter" pet-name, but the smile quickly subsided when the Heramon spoke of how easy it would be to replace her. Herald didn't want to, or so she claimed. She wanted Birdie to be by her side, but if Birdie refused then it was no real loss either.
Birdie could tell what Herald was trying to do. She wanted Digimon to follow her--she needed Digimon to follow her--but she wanted to make it seem as though she had everything under control. She did have far more physical power and social sway than Birdie did, but she was far from being the top dog of the city. The Biyomon smirked at this realization. She'd found a chink in Herald's armor, or so she thought... but that didn't make her view the Heramon any less. Instead, she found it to be a huge motivating factor. They were both looking for a foothold in the city, and Birdie would have been foolish to turn down such a proposition. Yes, she may have needed to humble herself enough to work beneath someone else, but ultimately, they were after the same thing.
With a grin still on her face, Birdie leaned over the desk and signed.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 24, 2020 5:51:58 GMT
Herald watched birdie with curiosity plain on her face; what was going through the other’s mind as she explained all this? The smaller bird mon had been rather chatty and full of questions so far. The heramon shifted in her seat and considered for a moment that she might have overreached on this one. But seeing those cogs turn only brought a deep grin onto her face. Her eyes sparkling and the goat would take a long draught of her wine.
She saw that greed, she saw that desire. The heramon crossed one leg over the other and her grin just kept growing. Making her look quite devilish. She could see it now; birdie working for her and well… Continuing forward together. If the other signed well that would be that. If they didn’t; it was truly no loss. Eventually the biyomon signed and she’d see those lettering start to scrawl across the paper.
It laid out everything the both of them wished for together; what they wanted entirely. What lined up and the things that didn’t simply didn’t appear. Herald gently took the piece of paper and placed her thumb against it. Imbuing it with some of her data.
”The contract is signed and sealed. By the power of your name and the power of my data. It is a pleasure to welcome you to this operation Birdie. Now lets get you up to speed properly.
Herald’s demeanor changed immediately; gone was the grin of one working to get another to sign. Instead here was the passion; the lust and the desire that Birdie may have only gotten a taste of. Truly herald was a mon of many faces; even if this one lay barely hidden by the others.
”The trade deal is more than just that, it’s with a deep gang. One that has been hard to track down and get them to even work with me or my brother. Today we host a trade so that we can remove them from play. Do you understand?”
She’d stand up, leaning to cup the little biyomon’s chin. Grinning ear to ear; even further than before till it looked damn right unnatural.
”You’ll get your fight there, there’s plenty that are rookies there and those that aren’t my dear companion I or perhaps one of my others that will be with you will take care of it. You’ll get to see me or they in action and understand what you truly signed for. Now go ahead and take those bits… and once the job is done I will show you where you can stay if you so wish.”
Herald stood up and considered something for a moment.
”Actually it might be better if I just show you now… Better that way where you know to roost. Heh.”
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Post by Unica & Birdie on Sept 1, 2020 19:24:35 GMT
Whatever uneasiness or hesitation Birdie may have felt upon signing the contract was hurriedly pushed aside as Herald welcomed her to the "operation." The pink Digimon offered a half-smile as the demonic beast began to explain the trade deal that was scheduled to happen that very evening. Supposedly, it was with a gang which had been difficult to track down and proved even more difficult to organize a meeting with. Herald, fully confident that Birdie wouldn't spill her secrets, explained that the plan was to "remove them from play." Birdie's faint smile grew and her eyes narrowed slightly in a devious display of sadism.
"I understand," the Biyomon replied, a faint hint of giddiness in her tone. As the Heramon reached out and cupped the underside of Birdie's beak, there was no resistance, though there was a clear shift in demeanor. The rookie's smile faded and she locked eyes with her employer, unfazed yet somewhat annoyed at the childish way she was being handle. Even still, it didn't bother her enough to pull away. Only when Herald went on to promise a fight as well as allies to offer their support against tougher opponents did Birdie's faint smile return. "They won't know what hit 'em," she sneered.
When the virus Digimon pulled away and gave Birdie permission to take the money, she did just that, although she kept an eye on Herald as she gripped the bag. It wouldn't have been too farfetched to think this was some sort of trick or test. But nothing happened as she pulled the sack off the table and examined the Bits inside. It was easily more than Birdie had been used to owning at one time, and it made her greedy for more; yet, she knew that if she returned to Old Terminus while carrying so much money then she'd have a huge target on her back and run the risk of getting mugged. She knew she was strong, but she was no fool. She wouldn't stand a change against a Champion or Ultimate who was desperate for cash. She'd need to spend most of it before going home.
As if reading her mind, Herald made a comment about Birdie being rewarded with new living quarters when the job was finished later that evening. After a moment's hesitation, she quickly changed her mind and decided instead to show the Biyomon around the facility now rather than later. Perhaps Birdie wouldn't have to spend all her money in the city after all, for she'd have a secure place to store it--at least in the meantime. "A dorm, huh?" Birdie scoffed, though any annoyance in her tone was nullified by her smirk and nod. She motioned toward the door before adding, "Yeah, sounds good. Lead the way."
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Post by Deleted on Jan 11, 2021 21:33:57 GMT
”Wonderful. I don’t think I’ll need to explain too much more then.”
The heramon was curious about her little friend here; managing a sweet smile to the other before pulling her hand away. She was pretty happy with the fact she had this little scout of hers; a little feisty fighter. Flicking her ears a few times the goat led the other along. It’d be a little bit of a hike but that was fine. Given where they would be staying. Somewhere that was probably the safest locale around here outside of the apartments that the twins lived in.
To a bar that was completely unmarked save for a single neon open sign. The exterior made it look like one of those black boxes and herald would step up to it without really thinking much of it. The door would slide open either way; the light from the inside seemingly blinding for all of a moment before the pair would step in.
This was far fancier than most of the places in the slums, while there were some individuals here that would be considered gruff… The barkeep; a one armed Veemon paused and looked over the two. She’d shift and lean against the bar, motioning over for herald.
”Boss is upstairs. He’s already got it prim and proper. Avali is also upstairs. Wanted to meet who she’d be workin with. Uhm. is that the one?”
The veemon stared down at birdie and would have folded her arms but… with her only having the one she’d place it on her hip. Eyeing the rookie up n down. There was something definitely off putting about her given that… well. Maybe it’d be the look in her eyes; maybe it’d be the fact that this Veemon seemed more threatening than even herald. The cross scar on her chest was definitely something that stuck out.
Not to mention how it reached all the way to where her arm should have been. The faint glowing of such a mark would have been long gone but hers? It still glowed. Strongly.
”Name’s Gertrude. I’ll be the one you can talk to if you need anything ordered. Discreetly or not. Fancy a drink for your apartment?”
”Afraid it looks like My hawk here doesn’t drink~ But send up a bottle for avali… she’ll love the attention.”
Herald rolled her eyes and motioned for birdie to follow her upstairs; a marvelous flight of steps past a bunch of private rooms… and then another flight that would lead to the ‘third’ floor. The third floor was for their workers of… less than legal stuff.
That’s when birdie would easily see the true owner of the bar. The mon behind… quite a bit of silent acts in the area. The cold and icy eyes were far different than herald; far different than gertrudes. Those cold, lifeless eyes drifted from the wall and locked onto the pair.
Even if birdie didn’t normally sense this sort of thing; there was no mistaking the intense physical aura of evil that practically rolled off of this mon. The Black furred renamon was well dressed and his bar tender top was properly fitted to him. There was nary a movement wasted as he slowly pushed off of the wall that he was leaning on.
His eyes seemed to capture every detail of the bird; every little thing. From the way her feathers shifted, from their styling, their reaction to his presence if any… down to the color of her eyes. His voice was silk, dragging along an ancient but fine brush of paper.
”Our new Tennet. My name is Skald. You may refer to me as such or as ‘boss’.”
His hand extended, much like one would expect a hand to capture a bird. But it was held out in front of him. In exchange to shake; his cold lifeless eyes staring deep into birdies. There was… something downright wrong with this mon. His entire scope was just… off.
He was much more of a predator than Herald. Much more of a predator than Gertrude. He was far more of a threat than every single mon she had walked by getting in here. But he was a rookie just the same as her.
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Post by Unica & Birdie on Jan 12, 2021 18:21:33 GMT
The walk to the second facility took some time, but it wasn't so long that Birdie began to question her loyalties. Well... she had been questioning them from the very moment she walked into Herald's office, but the skepticism and reluctance to continue working with this group was not heightened from the walk, even as they approached a shady black building with only a "Open" neon sign to identify it. Birdie burned the image of the bar's exterior into her mind, for she had a feeling that she would need to return here again in the near future -- especially if this was where she would be storing her Bits.
Walking through the front door, both Digimon were greeted by a one-armed Veemon. The bartender's small demeanor instantly made Birdie think she could easily win in a fight, but the radiant scar on the stranger's chest made her think twice. This Veemon had seen her fair share of combat, and she had managed to come out of it alive. That was admirable. Birdie couldn't help but feel an instant connection with the Veemon, even though she herself had never been in a battle so fierce before. It was the same sort of connection she had felt with the battle-worn Renamon who ran a bar in the Eastern Timberlands. She filed the similarities away for later and stepped deeper into the bar, closing the door behind her as she did.
Unfortunately, any respect Birdie had granted the Veemon upon first impressions was instantly overwritten by everything that preceded the initial conversation with Herald. With hand on hip, the bartender studied the Biyomon with a careful gaze, all the while asking if she was "the one"? Interesting. So they had been expecting her? Birdie narrowed her eyes, huffed in annoyance, and crossed her wings over her chest. She hadn't had come here to be scrutinized, especially not by someone she saw as a peer.
The Veemon introduced herself as Gertrude and explained that if there was anything Birdie needed ordered, "discreetly or not," then she was the one to talk to. The avian perked up a little upon hearing this, her glare softening as her interest was piqued. Birdie had heard of pills being sold on the black market that forced evolution to occur, allowing those "stuck" at a certain level to finally reach higher forms. If rumors were true, that was absolutely something she wanted for herself. Then again, rumors said that tamers and digivices could make digivolving easier, and that had turned out to be a lie too.
Before Birdie could speak, Herald explained that she didn't drink and that someone named Avali would prefer a bottle instead. The avian's attention shifted from bartender to her demonic employer then back to Gertrude again. It wasn't so much that Birdie didn't like to drink, it was more that she was unsure what type of people she was working with and she didn't want to risk being poisoned. Regardless, Birdie gave the Veemon a look: a look that showed longing to continue their conversation, and a look that said "We'll talk later" although no words were spoken aloud.
Together with Herald, Birdie ascended two flights of stairs, past a series of doors that she presumed were the dorms, and to an open lounge area that was the epicenter of illegal goings-on. Welp... If the contract wasn't enough to ensure that Birdie would stay with this group and keep their dealings a secret, what she saw here and now certainly would. There was no going back. Though this realization may have made other Digimon feel trapped, it didn't impact Birdie the way many might have expected. The idea of being part of something so secretive and so elusive that the local police had yet to shut it down felt like a power trip. So she didn't see herself as trapped. She saw herself as liberated. Free to do things she hadn't been permitted to do before.
And yet, this growing excitement was not reflected by Birdie's outward appearance, for she was acutely aware of how closely she was being inspected by the dark Renamon. He was well-dressed, a clear display of his wealth and power, but his eyes betrayed the means of which he obtained them. One look at this guy -- hell, even just standing in the same room as him -- instantly revealed his devious, deceitful, dangerous intentions. Birdie glared back, clearly annoyed at how she was once again being observed and studied like an animal in a zoo, but the longer the Renamon stared, his eyes drilling holes into the small Biyomon, the more Birdie began to feel intimidated.
It was as if he could see right through her. But could he? Could he see the data that made up her form? Her digicore? Her very soul? Could he see through her "tough guy" facade? Could he see the frightened Puwamon that she really was? A terrified weakling who did everything in her power to prove to others and to herself that she was, in fact, strong and capable. Although she was ready and willing to fight, could he see that she had actually lost more battles than she won? ...And if he could see all that, what did it mean for Birdie? Once-ruffled feathers settled as the avian shrunk and swallowed hard under the intense gaze of Skald, her new boss.
Then came a hand, quick and sharp, and Birdie instinctively flapped her wings and flew backwards a solid three feet. Just as quickly as Skald had extended his arm, and just as quickly as the Biyomon had dodged in fear of being struck, Birdie realized that the Renamon was only looking to shake hands. With a scoff of disbelief and embarrassment at the misunderstanding, she lowered herself to the ground and crossed her arms over her chest. She made no attempt to re-approach Skald or shake his hand; she just kept her eyes locked on the black Renamon. It seemed as though she was determined to spite him until he proved himself to her. This wasn't how interviews usually worked, but Birdie was desperate to hold onto any pride she had left.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2021 20:51:12 GMT
Gertrude didn’t seem to care about the respect she had, she didn’t seem to care about what she was doing in terms of this new mon. Her posture, her pose, everything about her screamed fighter. That she was capable of oh so much more than what she let on. The glowing, the pulsing and the figure she kept. It was like she would fight on even though she lost so much. Gertrude’s eyes locked onto birdie; noticing the interest in that little bit. She’d nod her head ever so slowly at seeing the look she was given. She knew looks; she knew motions. It wasn’t hard to know that birdie wanted or needed something. She’d give a small flick of the wrist and patted the bar as if saying ‘you’ll know where to find me’ and turned back to her work.
Herald didn’t seem to be the chatty type now that she was in this bar. She seemed to be muted somehow in comparison to how chatty she was before. Even her own power wasn’t enough to be unaffected by the being in front of her. Maybe that or it was because of the respect she had for the renamon-x that was standing there. It wa smore than likely the latter case.
Skald’s eyes were acute, picking up every little thing that he saw about this Biyomon. The tough guy facade was something he dealt with often; something that he had to work with if he wanted to survive. Seeing that she was starting to shift; starting to become… was it fear? Was it reason? Was she regretting?
With birdie flapping backwards skald paused; grew silent. His hand coming up to rub at his chin thoughtfully. So he was this unnerving to those that he would be working with hmm? The renamon watched her quietly. A small bemused chuckle working across his lips; there was no amusement, no warmth to this motion. He’d gesture for herald to go and the goat gave a little nod. Skald deeming this more than enough of an introduction. But for birdie?
She needed proof that she was to fit here, proof that she wouldn’t be just cast out and forgotten yes? Something that every mon needed. Skald didn’t approach her; she had made it quite clear to him what she needed. What she wanted. Skald tilted his head to one side and slowly unfolded his own arms, sliding one hand to a cuff and slowly ubuttoning it.
”I don’t expect you to sacrifice everything that you ever gave to a mon you just met. But let me make you understand how much I’ve given to this place and how much I expect from you. Your pact may be with herald, but by extension it is with me as I am her twin.”
Skald’s hands slowly ubuttened his vest and he’d hang it up; his eyes never once leaving Birdie. Never once even regretting what he did. Only a handful of mons knew what was under his well dressed moniker. Next was the cuffs that were slowly ubuttoned; nearly left to fall to the ground but were whisked away by his tail to be set next to the vest.
”Those that have signed contracts with us are in a unique position; such as yourself. Unique opportunities that not many can claim. And every single one of them have sacrificed something to get here. A place you have sacrificed nothing to attain. Yet you ask for more proof of what we are and what we deserve of you. It’s… almost as though herald didn’t explain exactly what we are about something I cannot fault her for.”
Skald would continue, his words were cold. Lifeless, but there was a strange passion in them. One by one the buttons of his long sleeve coat would be cleared and the renamon would slide either of his arms out of the sleeves.
It was then that birdie would see the swath of scars on his arms, knicks, cuts things by knives, by torture, most of those on his forearms were deep in terms of cuts, places his fur didn’t quite grow back right. But there was one that took the cake from what she could see. A single massive scar that went from one shoulder down to the same side on the waist. This renamon had almost been cleaved in two just by looking at him. The scar was glaring, twisted and there was no fur across it. It had been by a huge blade by the looks of it.
”The only mon to ever strike me from the front left me almost dead. Herald sacrificed half of what she was to keep me from dying. Keep my dream of this place from sputtering out into the night. I do not forget the pain, I do not forget what has been done for me. Gertrude lost her arm in the same day I lost half of my life. I do not ask for you to make the same sacrifices that they did but I am asking for one simple thing.”
The long sleeve shirt would hit the ground, the only piece of his clothing to do so. He’d approach and then turn to show his back to birdie. Unlike his front which was pristine save for that one massive scar… his back was a patchwork of the stuff.
”Tell me. Where would you strike me if given the chance? To kill me? Would it be next to all these here? Or would you make your mark on a tapestry not yet touched?”
Skald didn’t care about her pride, he didn’t care about what she wanted to hold onto. He wanted an honest to sovereign answer. Those icy, lifeless eyes started at birdie, even with his back turned he had control here. He had every little thing in this place under his boot. But he also had it right next to him. The respect and love for those that he had under his command was something honest; that came from somewhere else.
”Tell me what a mon like you. Did. To want to sign up with people like us.”
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